LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Wesleyan men's and women's track teams delivered a strong performance at the Nebraska Tune-Up on Friday afternoon at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, showcasing depth and speed in the shorter distances. With the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) Championships just a week away, the Prairie Wolves proved they're ready to compete.
How It Happened
The men's squad set the tone early in the 60-meter prelims, with five athletes advancing to the finals. Steven Dalmeida led the way with a 7.02, the fastest qualifying time of the day for the Prairie Wolves. Ghaith Taha (7.04) and Austin Nauert (7.11) also secured spots in the finals, though none competed in the final round, saving their legs for next week's championship meet.
Noah Smith stole the show in the men's 60-meter hurdles, tying his personal best with an 8.09 to win the event. The junior continues to build momentum heading into the A-R-C Championships, where he'll have a chance to contend for the title in what looks to be a great race. Freshman Jacob Young also impressed, finishing fourth in 8.39, while Tanner Johnson (8.47) and Trystin Myers (8.49) rounded out a strong showing for the Prairie Wolves in the event.
On the women's side, Rachel Smith led the way in the 60-meter hurdles, clocking a 9.30 for fourth place. Freshman Jadah Laughlin added an eighth-place finish in 9.64, showing promise for the future.
The men's 400 meters saw Morgan Conner post a season-best 50.04, good for sixth overall. McClain Meyer wasn't far behind, finishing eighth in 50.35. For the women, Raegan Levi and Chloe Mooberry both set personal records in the 400 meters, with Levi running 1:00.21 and Mooberry crossing the line in 1:00.99.
In the 800 meters, the Prairie Wolves' depth was on full display with all five competitors setting season bests and cracking the two-minute mark. Lucas Steuter led the men with a season-best 1:58.16, while freshman Trevor Larson set a personal record of 1:58.22. Coleman Keck (1:58.92) and Alex Ienn (1:59.45) also set PRs, highlighting the program's strong middle-distance group. On the women's side, Delaney Vacek turned heads with a 2:18.15.
Up Next
The Prairie Wolves will travel to Waverly, Iowa next weekend for the A-R-C Indoor Championships. With multiple athletes hitting season-best and personal-best marks at the Tune-Up, Nebraska Wesleyan is poised to make noise in the conference.
